The NFL landscape boasts a diverse mix of players spanning various age groups. Everyone knows Aaron Rodgers leads the list of oldest NFL players for 2023 at age 40, but what about the youngest?
There’s a vibrant cohort of young stars below the age of 22 leaving their mark on the league.
Emerging talents in the NFL under 24
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B.J. Ojulari – 20 years
BJ Ojulari found himself on the Arizona Cardinals’ bench for a few games. However, Ojulari’s impact wasn’t confined to being a spectator; the rookie from LSU, selected as the Cardinals’ second-round pick earlier in the year, had already left an indelible mark on the game.
With two sacks and an impressive eight total tackles, Ojulari’s breakout performance showcased not only his immediate contribution but also the culmination of steady improvement and developmental strides as a player. The Cardinals’ investment in this promising rookie seems to be setting the stage for an exciting NFL journey ahead.
Bijan Robinson – 20 years
Bijan Robinson emerges as a powerhouse in the Atlanta Falcons‘ offensive arsenal, showcasing his versatility both on the ground and through the air. With an impressive 703 rushing yards on 141 carries, averaging 63.9 yards per game, and contributing three touchdowns, he has become a reliable force in the rushing game.
Beyond his prowess as a rusher, Robinson has displayed finesse in the passing game, hauling in 32 passes for 240 yards at an average of 21.8 yards per game, complemented by three additional touchdowns. Notably, he has found the end zone with rushing touchdowns in three out of the 11 games played this season.
Izzy Abanikanda – 20 years
In a strategic move to revitalize their struggling offense, the New York Jets are set to introduce rookie running back Izzy Abanikanda into the lineup, marking his eagerly awaited NFL debut on November 19. This development comes on the heels of the Jets releasing third-year running back Michael Carter, a former starter, in the preceding week.
The decision to part ways with Carter was a calculated one, as Head Coach Robert Saleh expressed the team’s desire to provide Carter with an opportunity to continue his career elsewhere.
Tuli Tuipulotu – 20 years
Amidst the challenges faced by the Chargers’ defense, second-round rookie edge rusher Tuli Tuipulotu emerges as a pivotal force, stepping into the spotlight with Joey Bosa sidelined due to injury. In his sixth start of the season, Tuipulotu showcased his impact by thwarting the Patriots’ run game.
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Wrangling running back Rhamondre Stevenson behind the line of scrimmage, he not only disrupted the play but also forced a fumble. With Bosa dealing with injuries, Tuipulotu’s ability to rise to the occasion signifies a promising development for the Chargers’ defensive unit.
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Anthony Richardson – 21 years
For the Indianapolis Colts, the quest for a quarterback solution post-Andrew Luck’s surprising retirement in 2019 appears to have found a promising answer in the form of 2023 No. 4 overall pick Anthony Richardson. Despite the limited exposure of just 98 total dropbacks during his rookie campaign, Richardson has left a strong impression.
The belief in Richardson’s potential as the franchise QB reflects the team’s optimism and resolve to secure stability in the pivotal quarterback position. As they navigate the post-Luck era, the Colts envision Richardson as the cornerstone of their future success.
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All of these players have a lot of years ahead of themselves, and it’d be cool to follow their NFL journey moving forward. What are your thoughts on these players and their gameplays so far? Tell us in the comments section.